S: Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.
Romans 10:1
O: Paul previously writes in chapter 9 that he desired that his fellow kinsmen to be saved at even the expense of his personal relationship with Christ. This speaks volumes as to how we should also desire to see those around us who are still lost.
Paul genuinely wished to see them saved-his heart's desire, was to see the lost around him, come to a saving knowledge of Christ. His heart's desire translated to prayer to God, which I see as an act of submission to the only one who could make it happen.
Simply, he wished for others to know Christ. So, he prayed to God to ask that others around him would come to know Christ.
Do I even have a desire to see those who are lost in my life, saved? I think that it translates quite well that if you truly want to see someone come to a saving faith, you will present your requests in your prayers to God. Not once, but until the day you or they die, if the heart's desire truly is to see the lost be found, prayers would not cease.
A: I do not pray often. I pray very little-even for those whom I claim I care for. I pray over food, the word, and an occasional prayer request is lifted up here and there. I am too prideful, too lazy and conceited to do such a thing. However, I hope that I may have the heart like Paul-or rather, his Christlikeness which is clearly seen by how he prioritizes contention for souls by praying to God for them.
P: Lord, to even have the desire is to be rooted in you. If I were clinging to Jesus, I know that my heart would conform to his desire-and I know that the desire of Christ is to glorify the Father. Contending for souls is a glorious thing-work that is fit for the kingdom of God. I pray that you may awaken a desire to see others come to before you, professing that Christ is their lord and saviour. I ask that you may give me a true and heartfelt desire, that I may be driven to my knees often, interceding on the behalf of those who really do need to know you, Lord Jesus. In Christ, amen.
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